Whitworth University News

Whitworth alumnus Nick Kmet, ’13, is currently enrolled in New York University’s Scoring for Film and Multimedia graduate program. “The program is really fantastic,” Kmet says. “I meet people from all different parts of the country and the globe.”
Kmet is on the musical composition track, which offers experiential learning in film scoring and interactive media. Currently, most of his compositions have been for student films. Academic research is also a large part of his time at NYU; Kmet will present his research paper, “Examining the Evolution of John Williams’ Orchestrations through the Lens of Star Wars” at NYU’s Music and the Moving Image Conference, May 30-June 1.

“Whitworth challenged me in all the right ways, and I certainly would not be where I am now without those experiences,” Kmet says. “I hope that Whitworth continues on its mission of mind and heart and that the community remains accepting of students from all backgrounds and walks of life.”

Kmet explains how Whitworth professors of music Brent Edstrom and Richard Strauch heavily influenced his path to the NYU program. In Strauch’s classes, Kmet discovered his interest in researching music, while Edstrom helped him develop problem-solving skills and learn to find his voice as a composer.

“I always approach writing music with the idea that it should be the best that I can make it and that I should push myself to create something interesting, both for me and the audience,” Kmet says. “This is a direct result from Edstrom’s mentorship.”

Kmet is considering pursuing a Ph.D. in music composition after completing the two-year program next spring. Eventually, he would like to teach and continue his research at a university, and work as a composer or orchestrator in the film industry.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.